Valentine’s Day may be about love for most people, but it’s not so sweet for Mother Nature. This holiday supports some of the major users of pesticides by boosting the chocolate and flower industries and sending billions of greeting cards to landfills each year.
Luckily, there are several eco-friendly alternatives to traditional Valentine’s Day celebrations. Keep the romance (and the planet) alive and have Valentine’s Day to remember with these suggestions.
Cards
Sending a Valentine’s Day card is a lovely and simple way to put your sentiments into words and share them with your sweetheart.
If you prefer paper greeting cards, this year try expressing your individuality by making one from recycled materials. If you lack the crafty skills to do so yourself, find a local artist who creates greeting cards out of repurposed materials.
Another option for this year is to send an e-card to express your love for your companion. There are many places online where you may send an e-card to a loved one for free.
Flowers
A Valentine’s Day bouquet is a classic way to show your love for someone. However, the reality is that flower arrangements may barely last a week or so.
Instead of this fleeting gift, why not give your sweetheart a house plant? You can even opt for herbs that are both beautiful and will enhance the flavor of the meals you prepare together.
If you’re set on sticking with the tried-and-true method of sending flowers, read this article we wrote about choosing ethical and sustainable bouquets.
Chocolate and wine
When planning a romantic evening, most people reach for a bottle of wine or champagne. Instead of grabbing just any bottle, do some research to find out whether what you’re selecting is created from organic grapes and/or farmed in a sustainable manner.
You can also look into what the corks are made of. Are they made sustainably, or do they contain bad plastic that plagues so many bottles?
In terms of chocolate, an essential part of the Valentine’s Day tradition, look into what options are fair trade.
Romantic getaway
Getting away for the weekend is a terrific way to celebrate and have a weekend of love.
Luckily, the number of B&Bs and other small hotels that provide environmentally friendly services and amenities is growing. Due to their bigger carbon footprint, huge hotels are not the best option when considering where to stay.
By supporting a neighborhood establishment, you may take advantage of both a more personal atmosphere and the satisfaction of knowing that your money is staying in the area.
If a days-long trip isn’t attainable at the moment, you could also celebrate a more environmentally friendly Valentine’s Day by spending time in the great outdoors.
Enjoy the winter weather and get some exercise by going ice skating, skiing, or snowshoeing. If the weather is nice, bring a picnic and eat outside.
Dining
If you’re talented in the kitchen, then consider cooking your significant other a romantic dinner using only organic foods.
Visit your neighborhood farmers’ market to stock up on seasonal ingredients.
The fact that you can decide what goes into your dinner gives it an extra personal touch.
Gifts
You should skip the standard teddy bear this year and instead go for environmentally friendly presents that require a bit more thought.
Diamond rings, earrings, and bracelets manufactured from ethically sourced stones are a great choice for the fashion-conscious shopper.
If you’re looking for a unique piece of jewelry that will also suit your partner’s taste, consider something produced from recycled materials or a stunning vintage piece.
